Cambridgeshire: Journey to Addenbrooke's could cost lives

2.38.59pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 25th Oct 2006

Speaking in the County Council last week, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Brampton and Kimbolton Peter Downes, stressed the serious traffic consequences on moving medical services from Hinchingbrooke Hospital to Addenbrooke's.

Coun Downes said:

"People tell us that they dread the prospect of having to travel to Addenbrooke's for treatment. For those without cars, public transport is slow and erratic. This is particularly affect the elderly, vulnerable and those on low incomes - these are all also categories of people more likely to need hospital treatment.

"For those in villages outside Huntingdon, there are very few bus services. As for travel by car, the A14 is a notoriously dangerous and congested road. The life and death nature of emergency admissions is an enormous worry, particularly in relation to road traffic accidents and heart attacks where speed of treatment is critical to survival.

"Patients having to stay in hospital will receive fewer visits from relatives and friends because of the deterrent effect of the journey and this will adversely affect their morale and the speed of their recovery.

"More car travel along the A14 will increase carbon dioxide emissions. The Government and all political parties claim to be keen to protect the environment and slow down climate change. Causing extra traffic along the A14, for staff, patients and their relatives and friends, can only make matters worse."